Introduction
OKLAHOMA CITY – It all started on a scrap piece of paper.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Members of the Oklahoma Legislature, Oklahoma National Guard, and Oklahoma Military Department gathered alongside Flintco Construction at the Oklahoma City Military Complex on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, to break ground on the OKNG’s Wellness Center.
From Concept to Reality
The Wellness Center began as a hand-drawn sketch during a conversation between Lt. Col. Montana Dugger and Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino about creating a space that consolidates resources supporting Guardsmen’s mental and physical health.
Col. Lindy White, joint resiliency director for the Oklahoma National Guard, expressed her excitement, stating, “I asked [Dugger] for the paper so I can frame it and post it in the facility with the caption, ‘It all started with innovation and vision.’”
Design and Features
White and her team were involved from the design phase, ensuring the facility meets the needs of Oklahoma Guardsmen. The center will feature a fully-equipped workout space, physical therapy areas, meditation spaces, a chapel, conference rooms, classrooms, a teaching kitchen, a coffee bar, and offices for various health programs.
“With the availability of a chapel, classrooms, and individual office spaces, we have the opportunity for our Service Members and their families to access many more resources,” White noted.
Holistic Health Approach
This center will house various OKNG programs, including Behavioral Health, Chaplain services, and Substance Abuse Prevention, all under one roof. White emphasized, “All these services will finally have a home.”
Mental Health Importance
Recognizing the importance of mental health, OKNG leadership aims to provide Guardsmen with the tools needed to support their well-being. Brittney Criswell, integrated primary prevention manager, stated, “The new wellness center provides much-needed protective factors for Oklahoma Guardsmen to access critical services.”
Innovative Design
The building adheres to the WELL Building Standard, focusing on factors like daylight and air quality to enhance health and well-being. Capt. EJ Johnson highlighted, “The building itself will serve as a health component.”
Conclusion
During the ceremony, Mancino thanked supporters, including Oklahoma Senators and Representatives, for their role in bringing this vision to life. The facility is expected to be completed in late 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Oklahoma National Guard.
“It all started with an idea pitched on a scrap piece of paper and now, through teamwork and collaboration, we will witness that dream come to reality,” White concluded.
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